Self Heating Or Cooling Container

ABSTRACT

A container ( 101 ), suitable for the inclusion of at least one product therein, which comprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for the product, which container includes a lining, the lining and container defining at least three mutually segregatable zones, these being i) one or more zones in which product may be contained; ii) a zone ( 116 ) in which a first kind of chemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone ( 115 ) in which a second kind of chemical reactant may be contained, the container including a rotatable activator ( 107 ), for example, an activation knob, located at the exterior of the container, and, rotatably mounted within the container, and operative by rotation of the activator, means for terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) wherein the upper of ii) and iii) is not located so as to impede in service, heat transference from the reactant mass to i) (or vice versa) container suitable for the inclusion of at least one product therein, which comprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for the product, which container includes a lining, the lining and container defining at least three mutually segregatable zones, these being i) one or more zones in which product may be contained; ii) a zone in which a first kind of chemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone in which a second kind of chemical reactant may be contained, the container including a rotatable activator, for example, an activation knob, located at the exterior of the container, and, rotatably mounted within the container, and operative by rotation of the activator, means for terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) wherein the upper of ii) and iii) is not located so as to impede in service, heat transference from the reactant mass to i) (or vice versa).

This invention relates to containers. More particularly, this inventionrelates to containers the contents of which may be heated or cooled.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,673 discloses a heating device which has adisposable tray with an upper compartment which contains a food productand a lower compartment which has two reagents which are separated fromeach other by one or more watertight partitions and also having one axiswith radial blades to tear said watertight partitions and a control knobvisible outside of the tray and, moreover, having at least one screenequipped with orifices which are crosswise to said axis.

The present applicants have found, however, difficulties in endeavouringto make the preferred embodiment of that disclosure functionefficiently. Specifically, it is found that, in service, the remains ofthe torn partitions are significant impediments to heat transfer.Moreover, for a variety of reasons, including surface tension andairlock effects, a significant quantity of the reactant fuel remainswith the original partition, reducing the heating efficiency of thereaction and also impeding heat transfer. The manner of mixing is alsobelieved to result in local overheating and, in other areas, imperfectheating of the contained product.

This invention seeks to provide an improved container; in particular,one where the above-mentioned disadvantages are obviated or at leastreduced.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided acontainer, suitable for the inclusion therein of at least one product tobe heated or cooled, including but not limited to comestibles, whichcomprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for thecomestibles or other product, which container includes a lining, thelining and container defining at least three mutually segregatablezones, these including i) one or more zones in which comestibles orother products may be contained; ii) a zone in which a first kind ofchemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone in which a secondkind of chemical reactant may be contained, the container including arotatable activator, for example an activation knob, located at theexterior of the container and, rotatably mounted within the containerand operative by rotation of the activator, means for terminating thesegregation of ii) and iii) wherein the upper of ii) and iii) is notlocated so as to impede, in service, heat transference from the reactantmass to i) (or vice versa). Preferably, the upper of ii) and iii) isinterposed between i) and an exterior surface of the container.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided acontainer, suitable for the inclusion therein of at least one product tobe heated or cooled, including but not limited to comestibles, whichcomprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for thecomestibles or other product, which container includes a lining, thelining and container defining at least three mutually segregatablezones, these including i) one or more zones in which comestibles orother products may be contained; ii) a zone in which a first kind ofchemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone in which a secondkind of chemical reactant may be contained, the container including arotatable activator, for example an activation knob, located at theexterior of the container and, rotatably mounted within the containerand operative by rotation of the activator, means for terminating thesegregation of ii) and iii) wherein the segregation of ii) and iii)includes an aperture, suitably pre-formed, closed by a moveable elementand the means for terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) moves,e.g. by realignment, that element which, on activation, allows the twokinds of reactant to mix thereby heating or cooling i). Preferably, theaperture opening means comprises a manifold fluidly communicablesimultaneously with ii) and iii) and registrable with the aperture byrotation of the activator.

The container can be of any general shape, for example rectangular,round or oval. It is preferred that the container (or, in a generallycircular configuration, the outer bowl) is fabricated from a plasticsmaterial, preferably by injection moulding. The bowl may be relativelywide-mouthed such as a typical soup bowl or relatively narrow-mouthedsuch as a cup for soup or coffee. Desirably, the thickness of thecontainer should not exceed 1.0 mm and is suitably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm,although local thickening may be beneficial. The lining (or in agenerally circular configuration, the inner bowl) may be fabricated fromplastics material, either by thermoforming or injection moulding; it mayalso be formed from metal foil, such as aluminium or tin foil, forexample by swaging the foil to the desired shape. The metal ispreferably coated with plastics material to assist in spot welding andseaming over the container throat. The metal may also be coated withlacquer or plastics material on the side contactable with thecomestibles.

In a preferred embodiment of the container, zones ii) and iii) areinjection moulded as a unitary structure. In this embodiment, the liningincludes zone i).

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of zones ii) and iii), andpreferably both zones, are charged with reactant prior to adhering thelining to the container interior, for example by spot welding. Indeed,it is a further aspect of this invention to provide a partial containerin which the lining is absent comprising zones ii) and iii) wherein atleast one, and preferably both, zones are charged with reactant.

The rotatable activator is grippable by a user. It may be configured,for example, as a knob, lever, handle, key or switch. The activator andcooperating means for terminating the segregation of zones ii) and iii)may also suitably be injection moulded as a unitary structure. Thisstructure is desirably mounted in the container by push-fitting it, atlower temperature, into position in the container while the latter is atelevated temperature.

It is preferred that the zone in which the chemical reactant in liquidform is to be contained is, in service, both above the zone in which theother kind of chemical reactant may be contained and above the means forterminating the segregation of ii) and iii). It is also preferred thatiii) is located below i). It is preferred wherein the first kind ofchemical reactant is present as a liquid which, in service, is gravityfed into iii).

The two kinds of chemical reactant may, on mixing, produce heat or mayproduce a cooling effect. Examples of the former are systems in whichthe first kind of chemical reactant comprises a fuel and the second kindof chemical reactant comprises an oxidant; for example, wherein the fuelcomprises a glycol, such as glycerol, and the oxidant comprises apermanganate. Another class of systems which produce heat are thosewherein one kind of chemical reactant solvates or hydrolyses the otherkind, generating an exotherm. An example is where one kind of reactantis calcium oxide while the other is water. Examples of the lattersystems which produce a cooling effect include those wherein one kind ofchemical reactant solvates the other but produces a cooling effect. Anexample is where one kind of reactant is ammonium nitrate while theother is water. At least one kind of chemical reactant may include adiluent.

Without prejudice to the generality of this invention, this will befurther described in relation to the first kind of chemical reactantincluding glycerol with the second kind of chemical reactant includingpotassium permanganate. The glycerol may be present in aqueous solution.The permanganate may be present as a liquid solution such as a solutionof sodium permanganate in water or as a solid, such as potassiumpermanganate, the latter preferably being embedded in a dissolvablebinder as disclosed in, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,230 and U.S.Pat. No. 5,984,953. Preferred oxidants are alkali metal permanganates.If the second chemical reactant is a solid, it may be present loose orbagged or coated on the lower portion of the container.

In certain embodiments utilizing potassium permanganate oxidizer it maybe desired to include in the heating formulation a reaction moderator,for example, a non-fuel gelling agent such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,116,231, issued 12 Sep. 2000. In embodiments for which thereagents for the exothermic reaction provide rapid heat generation for afast temperature rise in the product being heated, it may be desirableto include borax or a salt such as sodium borate to moderate or cap thetemperature increase, such as is described, for example, in pendingpatent application PCT/US2005/015793. A capping reagent may be providedin a meltable wax thermally coupled to the product container for releasewhen a selected temperature is reached at the product container.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, zone ii) maycontain aqueous glycerol solution that may include a foam supressant.Part of the lower region of this zone is formed as a hollow cylindercontaining an aperture, preferably at its upper surface, permitting whenopen communication between zone ii) and zone iii). The means forterminating the segregation of zone ii) and zone iii) includes a barrelcomprising a hole or slot, push-fit in liquid light manner into thecylinder, the means being attached to the activation knob. In theunactivated state the hole or slot is preferably diametrically opposedto the aperture in the cylinder, the zones thereby being segregated.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, zone ii) is formed asa circumferential reservoir above zone iii). The hollow cylindercontains two apertures, preferably at its upper surface, one permittingwhen open communication between the lower region of zone ii) and zoneiii) while the other when open permits communication between zone iii)and, via a conduit, the space above zone ii). The means for terminatingthe segregation of zone ii) and zone iii) includes a barrel configuredas two manifolds push-fit in liquid tight manner into the cylinder, themeans being attached to the activation knob. In the inactivated statethe manifolds close both apertures, the zones thereby being segregated.

It is preferred that the activation knob comprises tamper-evident meansto prevent unintended activation. A first tamper-evident means comprisesa frangible element preventing rotation of the activator, for example afrangible connection between the upright handle or tab of the knob andthe boss of the knob. In order to activate the container this frangibleconnection has to be broken by pulling down the tab. The action ofbreaking a frangible element furnishes evidence of tamper. It is alsopreferred that the container includes a second tamper-evident meanseffective to prevent counterotation of an at least partly rotated knob.Such second tamper-evident means may include a pawl-rachet systemoperating on the means for terminating the segregation of zones ii) andiii). Alternatively, at least a part of the leading edge of the slotthereof may be formed as a resilient tine which enters the aperture onactivation and prevents counterotation. In a further embodiment of thesecond tamper-evident means that portion of the frangible elementinitially preventing rotation of the activator and remaining, onactivation, on the boss of the knob interacts with an interfering memberon the bowl which prevents counterotation. Desirably, this secondtamper-evident means should be operative as soon as the aperture beginsto be opened in service.

Once the container is filled in all three zones and is sealed, a thirdtamper-evident means is preferably provided. Even when the knob or otheractivator has been rotated, the system will not function properly, andin some cases perhaps not at all, until the seal is removed from theventable cover for zone ii), thereby permitting the chemical reactant inliquid form to discharge under gravity feed through the aperture intozone iii). The vent is preferably countersunk. Premature activationwithout removal of the seal at least moderates heat generation, therebyproviding a measure of safety. Removal of the seal from the vent of thecover for zone ii) also provides tamper-evident means. It may, onoccasion, be desirable to include pressure equalising means between theupper regions of zones ii) and iii); for example, a gas-permeable,liquid-impermeable port, conduit or a notch, between the upper region ofzone ii) and iii), thereby preventing the stagnation of thethermally-insulating layer of air immediately below zone i),particularly as it cooperates with the vent of zone ii) described above.While the port could be blocked with a pressure plug, the releasepressure would be very low for example 2 psig, so as not to pressurisethe containers.

The container may include peripheral, spaced apart strengthening ribs.These ribs may also be hand-held, providing the consumer with somethermal insulation. Likewise, the base of the container may be recessedto avoid thermal conduction into support surfaces. It may, on occasion,be suitable to provide an insulator for the lower region of thecontainer both for comfort of the consumer and thermal efficiency of theheating system. Such insulator may be a sleeve of, for example,corrugated paper board or expanded foam or CPET.

The container and/or lining may be fabricated from a filled or unfilledplastics material with a flow point above 110° C., preferably above 135°C. Retort sterilisation takes the temperature to 125° C. The lining atleast should be capable to withstand retort sterilisation. Suitably thecontainer and/or lining are fabricated from a plastics material whichcomprises a polyolefin or a polyester, for example polypropylene or PET.The lining may, if required, include a contiguous barrier layer, forexample EVOH. It is particularly preferred that the lining bethermoformed and the container injection moulded both frompolypropylene.

In accordance with a preferred feature of this invention, and to promoteconsumer confidence, the activation knob and its tamper-evident tab maybe formed to function as a traditional gas cooker knob, the tab being,in service, pulled down (thereby rupturing its frangible tamper-evidentmeans); locked into grooves in the knob; and then used to turn the knob.

In accordance with another, preferred feature of the invention, thecontainer includes an external thermochromic region in thermal contactwith zone i) which is effective to change colour on heating. This regionmay appear on the knob (for example, as a spot at the centre of theknob) or it may be located on the foil cover or may be a region fordisplaying promotional indicia, where the thermochromic region appearsas the indicia.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided afilled container which includes comestibles in i). Where the comestibleto be included in zone i) is a stable comestible, this comestible may beincluded in zone i) before this is incorporated in the container.Generally, however, the container comprises zones ii) and iii) intowhich the chemical reactants are placed and this part-structure islined; a vent formed in the lining; the lining is then filled and thecontainer sealed.

The filled container may be sealed, the seal also acting as a thirdtamper-evident means; for example, the seal may comprise paper, card,plastics foil or metal foil. The filled container may also include apush-fit plastics lid and/or may be included in a card sleeve where theseal is a hermetic seal and the comestibles are sterilised, if required.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provideda process for the preparation of a filled container according to thisinvention which process comprises incorporating first and second kindsof chemical reactants in zones ii) and iii), respectively; adhering thelining to the container; forming a vent in the lining over zone ii);filling zone i); and sealing the container. Suitably zone i) is filledprior to adhesion of the lining to the container.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 a represents a side elevation vertical medial cross-section of afirst embodiment of the container in an untampered state;

FIG. 1 b represents a side elevation vertical medial cross-section of afirst embodiment of the container in a tampered state;

FIG. 2 represents a top perspective elevation of the container shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents a bottom perspective elevation of the container shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 represents a bottom perspective elevation of the container shownin FIG. 1 without the knob;

FIG. 5 represents a top perspective elevation of the container shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows detail of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 represents a top, rear perspective elevation of the detail of theknob construction;

FIG. 8 represents a bottom, front perspective elevation detail of theknob construction; and

FIG. 9 represents detail of the rotatable activator showing oneembodiment of the second tamper evident means.

FIG. 10 represents a front elevation of a second embodiment of thecontainer, complete with affixed paper or plastics shroud;

FIG. 11A represents a side elevation of the second embodiment shown inFIG. 10 and in the untampered state;

FIG. 11B represents a top perspective elevation of the container shownin FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A represents a side elevation of the container shown in FIG. 10and in the tampered state;

FIG. 12B represents a top perspective elevation of the container shownin FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A represents a top perspective elevation of the container in FIG.11A with the shroud, lining, wad, knob, filter and tape all removed;

FIG. 13B represents a rear elevation of the container shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C represents a top perspective elevation of the lining (not toscale);

FIG. 13D represents a top perspective elevation of the shroud (not toscale);

FIG. 14 represents a diametric vertical section through the activatorknob housing of the container shown in FIG. 11A with the shroud removed;

FIG. 15 represents a bottom perspective view of detail of the explodedactivator knob housing; and

FIG. 16 represents a top perspective elevation of the container with thelining removed.

Referring to the drawings at FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown a firstembodiment of a container (101), for example, a bowl, fabricated frompolypropylene and of generally circular configuration preparable byinjection moulding techniques. The opening of the container is formed asa lip (102) from which depend a plurality of spaced-apart, integralstrengthening ribs (103). The container is formed with a generallytapering depth which is waisted to form a base (104). Between twoadjacent ribs (103A, 103B) are instructing indicia (105) and betweentheir lower regions the container is formed as a housing (106) for anactivation knob (107) which knob is formed about its lowerhemi-circumference with an integral flange (108) which, in turn, extendsupwardly into a tamper-evident tab (109) which obscures the indicia. Atthat diameter where the flange extends into the tab a band of reducedthickness (110) is formed and the tab is, about the upperhemi-circumference of the knob, separate therefrom except for afrangible connection (111). The knob (107) includes a pair of grooves(112, 112′) along the diameter of the reduced thickness (110) spaced toreceive the tab in a push-fit manner after the frangible connection(111) is broken in use. That portion (111A) of the frangible connectionretained on the knob is rotatable, in service, to ride over a chamferedpin (112B) integral with the container and effective to preventcounterotation of the knob. The interior of the container or outer bowl(113) is formed by an integral partition (114) into two zones, a gibbouszone (115) in which a second kind of chemical reactant is incorporatedand a crescent zone (116) in which a first kind of chemical reactant isincorporated. Interposed between the partition and the container andforming an integral part of the base of zone (116) is an integralgenerally cylindrical housing (117) containing a vertical port (118) anda horizontal aperture (119) by which the two zones may be put in fluidcommunication.

The interior of the container or outer bowl includes a flanged lining orinner bowl (120) which is spot-welded to the lip (102) at a plurality oflocations and which includes a vent (121) over the crescent zone.Comestibles (not shown) may be included in the lining and the containermay then be sealed with a foil (not shown) and sterilised.

The knob (107) is integrally formed with an axle (121A) which ispush-fit in liquid-tight manner into the housing (117). The axlecontains a port (122) which, in the untampered state, is out of registerwith the aperture (119).

In use, the sealing foil (not shown) is removed and the tab (109) ismanipulated downwardly to break the frangible connection (111); islocated in grooves (112, 112′); and then turned in accordance with thenow-displayed instructing indicia (105). This rotates the axle (121) sothat the port (122) becomes in register with the aperture (119). Thispermits the glycerol, as fuel, to access the potassium permanganate, asoxidant. The resulting exotherm is transmitted to the comestible (notshown) housed in the protective lining (120). The comestible content maythen be served by removing the sealing foil (not shown) in accordancewith the instructing indicia and either decanting the content orconsuming it directly from the container.

Referring now to the drawings at FIGS. 10 to 16, there is shown a secondembodiment of a container (201), for example a cup, fabricated generallyfrom polypropylene and of generally circular configuration preparable byinjection moulding techniques. The container comprises an self-adhesiveexternal, circumferential paper or plastics shroud (202) which may bebranded (not shown) for the retailer. The container is optionally formedwith a generally tapering depth and, for about its external lower half,with a plurality of radially extending, spaced apart strengthening ribs(203). Located at about the midpoint of its depth, the container isformed as a generally cylindrical housing (206) for an activation knob(207), shown in detail in FIG. 15, which knob is formed about its lowerhemi-circumference with an integral flange (208) seated on a boss (204)to which it is attached by integral strengthening members (205). Theflange (208) extends upwardly into a tamper-evident tab (209), separatedfrom the boss except for a frangible connection (211). At that diameterwhere the flange extends into the tab a band of reduced thickness isprovided bounded by two tongue and groove arrays (210, 210′) which arepositioned to be in register to receive the tab in a push-fit mannerafter the frangible connection (211) is broken in use. The barrel of thehousing (206) includes a circumferential rachet (250) (shown in part)which cooperates with a pawl (251) integrally mounted from the boss(204) to prevent accidental counterrotation of the knob. The housing(206) further includes two lugs (264, 264′) diametrically opposed alongthe line of arrays (210, 210′) in the untampered position and whichinterfere with the tab (209) to prevent accidental rotation of the knob(207).

The container (201) includes a lip (252) over which a coaxial, flangedlining (220) with a recessed throat (253), of formed metal coated withpolypropylene, is seated and to which the lining is spot-welded andseamed over. The lining is push-fitted into the interior surface of acircumferentially located first reservoir (216) inbuilt into the upperwall of the container (201) in which a first kind of reactant, such asaqueous glycerol, may be included. Integral with the container andbeneath the lining is a second reservoir (215) in which a second kind ofreactant, such as a permanganate salt, may be included.

At an upper point of the exterior surface of the first reservoir (216)there are two vents (254, 255) which fluidly communicate with thereservoir. The upper vent (254) releases vapour (should this begenerated by the reactants) and is covered with a filter material (notshown). The lower vent (255) is for fail-safe pressure release and iscovered with adhesive tape (not shown). Both vents feed, via a generallytriangular trough (256) in the exterior surface of the container to anabsorbent wad (257) housed in a generally trapezoidal recess (258) inthe container wall.

A portion of the base of the first reservoir (216) is formed as anintegral, generally cylindrical housing (217) communicating and coaxialwith the housing (206), this being orthogonal to the container axis andthe upper region of housing (217) includes a horizontal aperture (218).The first reservoir also includes a convex walled conduit (259)communicating with the upper region of housing (217) and the regionabove the first reservoir (260) proximate the upper vent (254). Theactivator knob (207) is integrally formed with an axle (221) which ispush-fit in liquid tight manner into the housing (217) retained byflange (261). The interior of the axle is formed as two manifolds (262,263), the lower one (262), in service, putting the aperture (218) tofirst reservoir (216) in fluid communication with the second reservoir(215) the upper one (263) simultaneously putting the conduit (259) influid communication with the second reservoir (215). However, in theuntampered state both manifolds (262, 263) are out of register with thereservoir (216) and conduit (259), respectively.

Reactants (not shown) may be included in the reservoir before the liningis push-fitted into position and spot-welded and seamed over.

Comestibles (not shown) may then be included in the lining and thecontainer may next be sealed across the recessed throat (253) with afoil (not shown) and sterilised.

In use, the consumer removes the sealing foil (not shown) and the tab(209) is manipulated downwardly to break the frangible connection (211);is located in array (210′); and then turned clockwise. This rotates theaxle (221) so that the aperture (218) is, via manifold (262), put influid communication with the second reservoir (215) thereby permittingthe liquid first kind of reactant in the first reservoir (216) to flowunder gravity and mix with the second kind of reactant creating anexotherm (or endotherm) to heat (or cool, respectively) the lining (220)and its contents. Simultaneously, manifold (263) is put in fluidcommunication with the conduit (259) thereby permitting air over thesecond reservoir (215) to flow into the first reservoir (216) and vent(254), ensuring smooth, controlled mixing of reactant. Where thereactants generate an exotherm any steam evolved in the second reservoir(215) may pass through (256) to the absorbent wad (257). This is maskedby the shroud (202) which, together with the inter-rib spacing, providesinsulation for the consumer's hand. On completion of the reaction theconsumer may drink the heated (or cooled) beverage.

1. A container, suitable for the inclusion of at least one producttherein, which comprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling)system for the product, which container includes a lining, the liningand container defining at least three mutually segregatable zones, thesebeing i) one or more zones in which product may be contained; ii) a zonein which a first kind of chemical reactant may be contained and iii) azone in which a second kind of chemical reactant may be contained, thecontainer including a rotatable activator, for example, an activationknob, located at the exterior of the container and, rotatably mountedwithin the container and operative by rotation of the activator, meansfor terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) wherein the upper of ii)and iii) is not located so as to impede, in service, heat transferencefrom the reactant mass to i) (or vice versa).
 2. A container accordingto claim 1 wherein the upper of ii) and iii) is interposed between i)and an exterior side surface of the container.
 3. A container, suitablefor the inclusion of at least one product therein, which comprises anintegral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for the product,which container includes a lining, the lining and container defining atleast three mutually segregatable zones, these being i) one or morezones in which product may be contained; ii) a zone in which a firstkind of chemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone in which asecond kind of chemical reactant may be contained, the containerincluding a rotatable activator, for example, an activation knob,located at the exterior of the container and, rotatably mounted withinthe container and operative by rotation of the activator, means forterminating the segregation of ii) and iii) wherein the segregation ofii) and iii) includes an aperture closed by a moveable element and themeans for terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) moves, e.g. byrealignment, that element which, on activation, allows the two kinds ofreactant to mix thereby heating or cooling i).
 4. A container accordingto claim 3 wherein the aperture opening means comprises a manifoldfluidly communicable simultaneously with ii) and iii) and registrablewith the aperture by rotation of the activator.
 5. A container accordingto claim 1, wherein the activation knob comprises tamper-evident means.6. A container according to claim 5 which includes a firsttamper-evident means which comprises a frangible connection between atab of the activation knob and the boss of the knob.
 7. A containeraccording to claim 6 which includes a second tamper-evident meanseffective to prevent counterotation of an at least partly rotatedactivation knob.
 8. A container according to claim 1 wherein the firstkind of chemical reactant comprises a fuel and the second kind ofchemical reactant comprises an oxidant.
 9. A container according toclaim 8 wherein the fuel comprises a glycol, for example glycerol, andthe oxidant comprises a permanganate.
 10. A container according to claim8 wherein at least one kind of chemical reactant includes a diluent. 11.A container according to claim 1 wherein, in service, iii) is locatedbelow i).
 12. A container according to claim 8 wherein the first kind ofchemical reactant is present as a liquid which, in service, is gravityfed into iii).
 13. A container according to claim 1 wherein pressureequalising means is included between the upper regions of zones ii) andiii).
 14. A container according to claim 1 wherein the container and/orthe lining is injection moulded as a unitary structure.
 15. A containeraccording to claim 1 which has a generally circular configuration.
 16. Acontainer according to claim 1 which includes peripherical, spaced apartstrengthening ribs.
 17. A container according to claim 1 wherein thecontainer and/or lining are fabricated from a filled or unfilledplastics material with a flow point above 110° C., preferably above 135°C.
 18. A container according to claim 1 wherein the container and/orlining are fabricated from a plastics material which comprises apolyolefin or a polyester, for example polypropylene or CPET.
 19. Acontainer according to claim 1 wherein the lining includes a contiguousbarrier layer, for example EVOH.
 20. A container according to claim 18wherein the container is injection molded and the lining is thermoformedfrom, or includes, polypropylene.
 21. A container according to claim 1which includes an external thermochromic region in thermal contact withzone i) which is effective to change color on heating.
 22. A containeraccording to claim 1 wherein at least one of ii) and iii) is chargedwith reactant prior to adhering the lining to the container interior,for example by spot welding.
 23. A filled container according to claim 1which includes comestibles in i).
 24. A filled container according toclaim 23 which is sealed, the seal also acting as a third tamper-evidentmeans.
 25. A filled container according to claim 24 wherein the sealcomprises paper, card, plastics foil or metal foil.
 26. A filledcontainer according to claim 25 which also includes a push-fit plasticslid.
 27. A filled container according to claim 24 wherein the seal is ahermetic seal and the comestibles are sterilised, if required. 28.(canceled)
 29. A process for the preparation of a filled containeraccording to claim 23 which process comprises incorporating first andsecond kinds of chemical reactants in zones ii) and iii), respectively;adhering the lining to the container; forming a vent in the lining overzone ii); filling zone i); and sealing the container.
 30. A processaccording to claim 29 wherein zone i) is filled prior to adhesion of thelining to the container.
 31. (canceled)
 32. A container element asdefined in claim 22 in which the lining is absent.